Proposal in Cuomo budget would expand access to nurse practitioners

The Nurse Practitioners Modernization Act would lift the requirement that experienced nurse practitioners sign a written practice agreement with a physician in order to practice.

Comment

By Julie Sherwood

Wayne Post

By Julie Sherwood

Posted Jan. 23, 2014 at 5:15 PM

By Julie Sherwood

Posted Jan. 23, 2014 at 5:15 PM

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive budget calls for lifting a restriction on nurse practitioners that advocates say is long overdue.

The Nurse Practitioners Modernization Act, in Cuomo's proposed 2014/2015 budget, would lift the requirement that experienced nurse practitioners sign a written practice agreement with a physician in order to practice.

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 18 states including Washington, D.C. have no written practice agreement requirement.

"Although it is imperative for NPs to collaborate with physicians and other healthcare practitioners, requiring a signed written practice agreement as condition for experienced NPs to practice is irrelevant and unnecessary," stated Stephen Ferrara, executive director of The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State.

The Nurse Practitioners Modernization Act would maintain the requirement that nurse practitioners have a documented, collaborative relationship with a physician.

Denis Tarrant, president of the NPA, stated that the heads of the Senate and Assembly Higher Education and Health Committees have worked diligently on the issue. We look forward to partnering with the governor and the Legislature during this budget process to enact legislation that effectively provides patients with the opportunity to benefit from nurse practitioner-partnered care."